Podcast Summary: "Rep. Jasmine Crockett On Congressional Democrats" The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Release Date: May 17, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert welcomes back Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, a sophomore Democratic representative from Texas. The conversation delves into recent political happenings, focusing on Crockett's role in Congress, her critiques of former President Donald Trump, and the functioning of congressional committees amid escalating political tensions.

Highlight: "Trump or Trans" Game at Transgender Athletes Hearing

Timestamp [00:33]:
Stephen Colbert opens the discussion by referencing a notable moment from Crockett's recent congressional hearing on transgender athletes. Colbert recalls Crockett introducing a game titled "Trump or Trans" to engage the witness.

Notable Quote:

Jasmine Crockett [00:54]: "So I'm going to ask you a question, and I want you to tell me whether or not it is Trump or trans or trans people that are responsible. You understand?"

Crockett outlines a series of statements attributing various national issues directly to Trump, highlighting her strategy to simplify and emphasize accountability during the hearing.

Critique of Donald Trump's Leadership

Timestamp [03:00]:
Colbert brings up a recent town hall where Donald Trump was questioned about his perceived mistakes during his first hundred days in office, to which Trump responded, "I don't believe I've made mistakes."

Notable Quotes:

Jasmine Crockett [03:11]:
"Where do I begin? We can start with the fact that he ever got reelected in the first place, that was a mistake. But, you know, if we just want to go to, over the weekend, threatening to arrest members of Congress..."

Jasmine Crockett [03:54]:
"...the fact that he loves Putin more than he loves us. And as you were just talking about, the Canadians are our friends, and he doesn't quite realize that either."

Crockett systematically critiques Trump's policies and actions, ranging from economic decisions to foreign relations, emphasizing the detrimental impacts she attributes to his leadership.

Response to Threats Against Congress Members

Timestamp [04:10]:
Colbert raises concerns about statements from the White House suggesting the possibility of arresting members of Congress, seeking Crockett's perspective as a member of the legislative body.

Notable Quotes:

Jasmine Crockett [04:10]:
"We are standing 10 toes down for our members. Listen, we have jobs, and unlike some other people, say the big guy in the White House who has spent 25% of his time golfing. Yeah. We actually care about our jobs."

Jasmine Crockett [04:53]:
"...we have a duty of oversight over these agencies. And knowing that they are literally just kidnapping people off of the streets and we don't know what types of conditions they are putting them in..."

Crockett expresses unwavering support for her fellow legislators, condemning any threats against them and underscoring the importance of their roles in government oversight and accountability.

The Role and Importance of the Oversight Committee

Timestamp [05:07]:
Colbert inquires about the Oversight Committee, of which Crockett is a member, seeking her explanation of its significance in the current political climate.

Notable Quotes:

Jasmine Crockett [05:07]:
"Oversight, usually we oversee everything, literally everything in the federal government. Most people think of us as overseeing the agencies. And it used to be the Oversight Committee on Government Accountability."

Jasmine Crockett [05:32]:
"We look for waste, fraud, and abuse. We try to make things more efficient, and we try to hear what the American people have to say."

Crockett elaborates on the committee's broad mandate to monitor government operations, address inefficiencies, and respond to public concerns, highlighting its critical role in maintaining governmental integrity.

Challenges Within Government Efficiency and Accountability

Timestamp [05:48]:
The conversation shifts to criticisms of government efficiency, with Crockett addressing issues related to defense budgeting and audit failures.

Notable Quotes:

Jasmine Crockett [05:48]:
"It was a complete sham. This was never about government efficiency, because if it was, we would have started with Defense, where now he wants to take the budget up to a whopping $1 trillion and they have not been able to pass an audit in the last seven audits."

Crockett criticizes the lack of efficiency and accountability within governmental departments, using defense budget mismanagement as a case study to illustrate systemic failures.

Upholding the Rule of Law on the Judiciary Committee

Timestamp [06:39]:
Colbert brings up Trump's recent remarks on Meet the Press regarding due process and the Constitution, questioning Crockett about her experience on the Judiciary Committee amid a president perceived to disregard the rule of law.

Notable Quotes:

Jasmine Crockett [07:05]:
"You know, I honestly don't care about your politics. There are some basic fundamentals of what it is to be an elected official on any level. The fact that the most powerful person in the world has no idea about the little oath that he took is beyond me."

Crockett emphasizes the fundamental responsibilities of elected officials to uphold constitutional values and expresses her disapproval of leadership that neglects these core principles, regardless of political affiliation.

Conclusion

The episode offers an insightful look into Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett's perspectives on contemporary political challenges, her active role in government oversight, and her staunch opposition to policies and actions she deems harmful to the nation. Through a combination of humor and serious critique, Colbert facilitates a meaningful discussion that underscores the complexities and responsibilities inherent in congressional leadership.

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